-LRB- CNN -RRB- Thanks to the resilience of U.S. workers and businesses of all sizes , `` Made in America '' is making a comeback .

According to data released last week by the Department of Commerce , American businesses exported $ 2.35 trillion in goods and services in 2014 , hitting a record high for the fifth straight year . The United States sold more to our 20 free trade partners than ever before and logged record exports to more than 50 overseas markets .

This is good news all around -- for our economy , workers and wages . After all , U.S. exports have been one of the primary drivers of America 's economic resurgence , contributing one-third of our economic growth since 2009 and supporting 11.3 million jobs in 2013 . With those jobs paying up to 18 % more , on average , than jobs not related to exports , trade promotion has an important role to play in boosting the incomes of middle class Americans .

Yet America 's recovery remains incomplete , and unfair foreign practices are threatening our progress . Today , many of our workers are competing against counterparts in countries that lack basic labor rights . Meanwhile , some foreign governments are further skewing the playing field by providing subsidies and encouraging competition without concern for the environment .

At stake is not merely America 's status as a place that makes real things , but more fundamentally , the strength of our middle class and the sanctity of our values . When worker rights are n't respected abroad , the human toll is measured both in American jobs and in a deficit of dignity for workers around the world . Likewise , the absence of environmental protections beyond our borders puts workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage here at home while jeopardizing the health of our waters , wildlife , air and other treasures that span national boundaries .

In the face of these challenges , trade agreements are among our best tools for defending American interests and values .

Just look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership , an agreement that the United States is negotiating with 11 other countries in the Asia-Pacific and which includes nearly 40 % of the global economy . If agreement can be reached , the deal would grow U.S. exports by more than $ 120 billion a year , one study estimates , and support more well-paying jobs .

Most importantly , the TPP will allow the United States to level the playing field for our workers and businesses in the world 's fastest-growing region . At present , American autoworkers are handicapped by tariffs that can reach 30 % in rapidly growing markets such as Malaysia . For their part , American farmers are forced to contend with tariffs as high as 40 % on poultry in Vietnam . In these industries and others , TPP will eliminate or significantly reduce barriers to U.S. exports .

Additionally , TPP will contain the toughest environmental and labor protections of any trade agreement in history , including the first provisions to combat the trade in illegal wildlife and the products of illegal fishing , among other advances .

The benefits of TPP are clear , while the alternative to leading on trade is alarming . In recent years , countries in the Asia-Pacific have struck over 200 trade agreements , while U.S. companies and workers have largely missed out . China has been extremely active , and we can not afford to sit on the sidelines .

While passing TPP will start a race to the top , ceding leadership to others could result in a race to the bottom . Not leading on trade would undercut our capacity to safeguard labor rights , environmental protections , a free and open Internet , a level playing field between state-owned companies and our private businesses , and a host of provisions which unite America 's interests and values .

Getting this done will require unity of effort . In calling for bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority , President Barack Obama has invited Congress to assert its role on trade and provide guidance to the executive branch , including on issues that have emerged since that authority was last updated in 2002 , such as the role of state-owned companies and the digital economy .

As the President said during his State of the Union address , 95 % of the world 's customers live outside the United States . No savvy entrepreneur would leave that much of the market untapped . Passing a bipartisan trade promotion bill is an important step toward opening those markets , unlocking opportunity for all Americans and advancing the first trade agenda that 's as progressive as it is pro-growth .

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American businesses exported $ 2.35 trillion in goods and services in 2014

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Penny Pritzker and Mike Froman : Unfair foreign practices threaten U.S. progress